Don't Abate That Joint

Tax abatement changes recommended for historic homes

Don't Abate That Joint
Photo by John Anderson

On Monday, just hours before the Historic Landmark Commission recommended a suite of changes to the city's generous tax abatement policies for historic homes, a lawsuit was filed in the 419th District Court petitioning the city to stop the practice outright. Plaintiffs Dominic Chavez, Alfred Stanley, and Mike Levy "ask the Court to stop the [the city] from giving tax breaks on allegedly 'historic' properties without first making a finding that there is a 'need' for the tax relief to encourage the preservation of each 'historic' site." Citing state tax code which they say allows such tax breaks only when "needed," they go on to cite examples of owner-occupied homes that, they argue, flout that rule. One example, "House 'B' is a West Austin multi-million dollar mansion built less than 100 years ago" and was extensively remodeled, then granted an abatement. According to the plaintiffs, "The exemption was granted despite the fact that the remodeling had already been done, indicating no 'need' for the exemption." The city has not yet responded to the filing, but in the past has defended the abatements as necessary incentives to prevent owners from razing landmark structures. The revised tax abatement suggestions, passed out of the Historic Landmark Commission Monday, should wend their way to council at its April 28 meeting.

Got something to say on the subject? Send a letter to the editor.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

Support the Chronicle  

READ MORE
More Historic Landmark Commission
Protect and Preserve
Protect and Preserve
Now that we've freaked out about Austin's unrelenting boom, can we figure out how to keep what's best about the city alive?

Cindy Widner, July 24, 2015

Cemetery Master Plan Inches Closer to Life
Cemetery Master Plan Inches Closer to Life
Boards & commissions pass graveyard draft

Richard Whittaker, July 3, 2015

More by Wells Dunbar
Top 10 City Council Stories
Top 10 City Council Stories
Dais and months

Jan. 6, 2012

City Hall Hustle: The Hustle Bids Farewell ...
City Hall Hustle: The Hustle Bids Farewell ...
To the beating hearts of a great city

Dec. 30, 2011

KEYWORDS FOR THIS STORY

Historic Landmark Commission, Mike Levy

MORE IN THE ARCHIVES
One click gets you all the newsletters listed below

Breaking news, arts coverage, and daily events

Keep up with happenings around town

Kevin Curtin's bimonthly cannabis musings

Austin's queerest news and events

Eric Goodman's Austin FC column, other soccer news

Information is power. Support the free press, so we can support Austin.   Support the Chronicle